“NO GRACE WITHOUT MERCY.” Author Dorothy Goins

Forgiveness is something that we all struggle with,specifically when someone has hurt, not been honest or betrayed our trust in them. Whether past or present,hurt is not easy to get over. Simply stated, we do not find it easy to forget when someone has done us wrong. Writing this novel has help me in that area. Although this process has been difficult for me, I have longs to you for the things you have done.” This has been a long uphill journey.I realize God had to take me on this journey to show me things about myself and to prepare for the purpose and plans He has for me. In Jeremiah 29:11, it says, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome (Amplified version). I relied on this scripture a lot during the writing of this novel. There were so many people I felt were against me in some way or another.

I was hurt a lot during this writing assignment, so I had to consult the Word of God for comfort. There are several other scriptures that were comforting. I had to finish this book regardless of what I was going through because God gave me this assignment to complete. Little did I know, that it wasn’t coming with good things or feeling attached to it. God commands us to forgive and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. What I learned is that we do not know how to love unconditionally. Many of us love with conditions being in place. Even when we say we forgive, something is always lingering in the back of our minds that will not allow us to completely and honestly forgive one another. It is sad to have to say this, but it is usually storms or sometimes a devastation that gets most of our attentions. Why does it take a bad situation to alter our thinking or a tragic happening to change our behavior?

These are the things God showed me while I was writing. He showed me and gave me a full understanding of what grace and mercy is through what Jesus did; his son sacrificed his life so we would not be condemned. This act of love was for everyone of us. We did not have to earn grace, it was a gift. We do not get what we deserve for the things that we do and have done because God shows us mercy because of Jesus. That’s something to think about. God loves us that much! His love is unconditional. He repeatedly allows us time to get it right. How much time will we continue to take to get it right? I’ve spent a lot of time reading the Bible and studying the Word. The people in those times were very much like people now in these days and times. How are we any different? God is still using situations and circumstances to get our attention. There’s this familiar saying that goes like this, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I prefer to say, “Whatever God brings you to, He will get you through.” My heavenly Father has taught me many life lessons through writing this novel. I learned more than anything that He loves us unconditionally. His grace is sufficient for me and for every person who comes willingly to Him and surrenders completely. His tender mercies are showered on us everyday. They are new every morning!

About Dorothy:

Dorothy Goins is the award winning and national best-selling author of the renowned novel, A WOMAN SCORN’D, a compelling story that reveals a deployable truth often subjected to secrecy throughout families; the issues of Domestic Violence. Dedicated and committed to the cause to help eradicate this plague in our community, Goins advocates diligently as a Change Partner with Women Against Abuse and is now teaching a bi-weekly creative writing workshop to the women in the Sojourner’s House Transitional Housing Program after receiving in 2008 a $2500 grant from The Leeway Foundation.

Her workshops are designed around the method that “writing helps us to heal.” After the senseless killing of her beloved sister-in-law on December 30, 2004—as a result of Domestic Violence, Dorothy Goins began her own national campaign speaking out against Domestic Violence; using her novel, A WOMAN SCORN’D as the driving force behind her message to the community. Her dedication and commitment has not gone unrewarded. She now writes for the widely distributed magazine, HAVING CHURCH FOR WOMEN, contributing as an editor inspiring features and motivating stories to this bi-monthly subscription. Goins has interviewed on numerous well known radio shows and stations which also includes a most recent 2008 widely syndicated radio taping on the Michael Baisden show on 103.9 FM.

A WOMAN SCORN’D is the compelling story of Roxane Brissett, a psychotherapist with a successful practice set up in the heart of Manhattan, who is not only tainted by a past she’s tried to contain secretively but also a family secret she can’t escape. Like the clients she counsels, Roxane has her own set of problems she needs to face.

I can completely, wheadhelrteoly relate. My kids hated going to church and I worried for their hearts, so I tried something. I asked my hubby to get on board and read through the entire Bible with us in a year. And it was amazing. They got to ask all the questions they wanted. Some we answered, some we obviously couldn’t. And that was okay. It was a healing time for my kids and I. It was good for their hearts. Now we’re ready to go back, although I’m extra sensitive to not forcing them into the children’s service. Children’s ministry workers are predominantly volunteers sometimes volunteers that have finally given in after being asked countless times (hey, we’ve all been there at times). And unless those volunteers plan on being regular and truly are kid-people who want to be there, then I’m fine with my children playing on my iPod or drawing while sitting with me at church.

This book was inspiring, life changing, and a page turner. The author, Dorothy Goins was able to capture real life issues (depression, loneliness, isolation, the spirit of murder, depression, rejections, unforgiveness, sickness, death, mental illness, restoration, redeemed time, and forgiveness) within her 208 page Christian novel.

I understood Grace’s struggle to forgive Madison (mother). She ignored her pain because her loyalty to Rodney (father) was much greater. I also understood how Mercy chose to look pass the pain of rejection and abandonment she encountered so that she could embrace the burning desire to have Madison in her life.

Ms. Effie (grandmother) was a praying and loving woman. She provided stability for Grace & Mercy. She was also a voice of reasoning for the entire family.

I am reminded that no matter what we face as human beings; we should always have a trusted person that will provide a safe haven and keep us accountable. Hidden sin/secrets has the potential to destroy our lives. Madison would agree with me whole-heartily. The first 14 years of Grace & Mercy’s life was nonexistent to Madison because of the secret she felt that she couldn’t share with anyone.

This story had my emotions all over the place! I was able to reflect and see how God has had a ubiquitous presence in my life. I was able to vividly see areas in my life that I had suppressed and needed to acknowledge. My faith has increased tremendously and my thirst to love more and to be loved is now more sought after.